11 Jul 2006
Microsoft issues patches for critical security vulnerabilities
Microsoft has described five of the patches as critical
As part of its monthly patch distribution, Microsoft has issued
a series of new security updates for Microsoft Windows and
Microsoft Office. Five of the patches are categorized as
critical.
The most serious vulnerabilities could allow hackers to remotely
execute code (such as a malicious worm) on vulnerable systems.
"It is absolutely essential that Windows computers are protected
with these security patches at the earliest possible opportunity,
because we know that virus writers and hackers often exploit flaws
in Microsoft's software in the days immediately following an
announcement of a problem," said Graham Cluley, senior
technology consultant for Sophos. "The message to PC user is loud
and clear: Don't let the bad guys compromise your computers, and
get into the habit of regularly applying security patches, or you
will be leaving your PCs open to attack."
Home users of Microsoft Windows can visit update.microsoft.com to have their systems scanned for
critical Microsoft security vulnerabilities.
Sophos suggests that every IT manager responsible for security
should consider subscribing to vulnerability mailing lists such as
that operated by Microsoft at www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/notify.mspx.
Sophos continues to recommend companies protect their desktops
and servers with automatically updated
protection against viruses, spyware, and spam.
About Sophos
More than 100 million users in 150 countries rely on Sophos as the best protection against complex threats and data loss. Sophos is committed to providing security and data protection solutions that are simple to manage, deploy and use and that deliver the industry's lowest total cost of ownership. Sophos offers award-winning encryption, endpoint security, web, email, and network access control solutions backed by SophosLabs - a global network of threat intelligence centers. With more than two decades of experience, Sophos is regarded as a leader in security and data protection by top analyst firms and has received many industry awards.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.